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Thread: Marian Evette Williams Sentenced to LWOP in 2017 FL Murder of Marcus, Kiani and Kemaren Clark

  1. #1
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    Marian Evette Williams Sentenced to LWOP in 2017 FL Murder of Marcus, Kiani and Kemaren Clark


    Marcus Clark, 10, Kiani Clark, 8, and Kemaren Clark, 4, died in a fire.





    Three young boys all aged under 10 are killed in fire after their 'grandfather's ex torched his home a day after she was released from jail'


    A woman is facing murder charges after police say she burned down her ex-boyfriend's home, killing his three grandsons, all of whom were under 10 years old.

    Marian Evette Williams, 49, of West Davison Street in Bartow, Florida, was arrested Sunday on arson, attempted murder and three counts of murder charges, according to WINK.

    Cops say Marcus Clark, 10, Kiani Clark, eight, and Kemaren Clark, four, were inside the home in Arcadia on Saturday at 4:30am when a fire broke out.

    The children's grandfather escaped with serious injuries and was in the ICU on Monday evening

    The second adult escaped without injury.

    A family member of the children says the grandfather and Williams had been in a relationship and were fighting.

    The week before, Williams was arrested for burglarizing the same house, and had allegedly also threatened to burn it down.

    She was released from jail the day before the fire.

    Williams did not live at the house. She remains in jail on no bond.

    The suspect has a long rap sheet and has been in and out of prison since 1991, said WINK. Charges included drug dealing, driving with a suspended license and felony DUI.

    'I think it’s almost [incomprehensible] that a human being could do something like that, knowing that there were occupants in the house,' a neighbor told Fox 6. 'Just very sad to hear that something, especially children, would die. It’s, it’s horrible.'

    'It was a sad morning just waking up to something like that, man. I mean it's involving kids,' Terry Bing, Sr., who lives nearby, told NBC 2.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...hree-kids.html



    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Death penalty sought for accused killer of Arcadia boys

    The state attorney’s office is seeking the death penalty for a 49-year-old woman accused of killing three brothers last month, court documents show.

    Marian Evette Williams allegedly ignited the deadly fire at the South Lee Avenue home that claimed the lives of Marcus Clark, 10, Kiani Clark, 8, and Kemaren Clark, 4.

    The boys were staying with their grandfather Arnold Mele, Williams’ ex-boyfriend, when the blaze started. Mele was able to escape.

    Williams is facing charges of charges of arson, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree murder, according to court documents.

    http://www.winknews.com/2017/04/06/d...adia-brothers/
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    Grandmother seeks closure in death of Arcadia brothers killed in house fire

    By Taylor Bisacky and Katherine Viloria
    Wink News

    The grandmother of three children killed in a house fire is searching for closure more than a year after their deaths.

    “Every day I miss them, because you wonder what they would be doing right now,” Emma Clark said.

    Marian Evette Williams is accused of igniting the deadly fire on March 11, 2017 at the South Lee Avenue home that claimed the lives of brothers Marcus Clark, 10, Kiani Clark, 8, and Kemaren Clark, 4.

    The boys were staying at their grandfather’s home when prosecutors say Williams set the house on fire.

    Williams, who faces the death penalty, is now claiming she has an alibi and has witnesses to prove it. Williams is also attempting to move the location of the trial.

    “I can’t sleep and it’s kind of mind-boggling. But I know, I do believe that justice will be served,” Clark said.

    Despite the alibi claims, Clark says their family is confident Williams committed the crime.

    “They’ve taken witnesses statements from them that she was there, so I think that will speak loudly and in volume that she was there,” Clark said.

    While a trial date has not been set, the family hopes it will bring closure.

    https://www.winknews.com/2018/06/26/...in-house-fire/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Trial set for woman accused in Arcadia arson deaths

    By Daniel Sutphin
    The Arcadian

    ARCADIA — A trial date has been set for the woman accused of starting a house fire that killed three young brothers in Arcadia.

    Marian Evette Williams, 52, of Bartow, was arrested March 11, 2017, in connection with the deaths of Marcus, 10, Kiani, 8, and Kemaren, 4, Clark.

    At a docket sounding Monday morning, the trial date was set for 9 a.m. Feb. 10, on the second floor of the DeSoto County Courthouse (115 E. Oak St.) in Arcadia. Williams faces three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and other charges including arson, burglary and battery.

    The boys were staying at their grandfather’s house at South Lee Avenue and West Ash Street when Williams allegedly set fire to the house in the early hours of March 11.

    The boys’ grandfather, Arnold Mele, and an adult woman were able to escape the fire, but the sleeping boys did not.

    Williams has a long criminal past that includes multiple arrests for battery, burglary and use of a deadly weapon. She and Mele were said to have been quarreling prior to the fire, according to investigators.

    Williams remains in the DeSoto County Jail.

    The boys’ mother, Kenya Lindsay, was not available for comment.

    ‘Something good from something tragic’

    In October, the Clark Brothers Memorial Park opened at the site of the fire.

    Arcadia Code Enforcement Officer Carl McQuay oversaw creation of the playground and hopes to expand it in the future.

    “Something good came out of something tragic, and in a much-needed area,” McQuay said. “(The city) was able to acquire the property from the bank (that owned the property). The grandfather (who) owned the property lost it in foreclosure.”

    McQuay said there is a neighboring property with multiple code violations that could be used for expansion.

    “There is a lot to the north of the playground that the city (might try) to acquire,” McQuay said. “There are a lot of (code) violations on that property. If we can acquire that lot, with the City Council approval, we can have the project extended and add more stuff” to make it a park.

    “But if we do that, we have to see about lighting, water and all that also has to be approved by the City Council. There is still a ways to go.”

    As far as Williams’ trial, McQuay said it’s up to the judicial system.

    “It’s going to take its due process,” McQuay said. “Let the legal system handle it.”

    https://www.yoursun.com/arcadia/news...f6eee89fa.html
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Trial set to start for Marian Williams accused in homicide of three children

    By Andrea Guerrero
    Wink News

    A 49-year-old woman accused of killing three boys is set to face a jury next week.


    Marian Williams is accused of burning down the Arcadia home of the three little boys while they were inside in 2017.


    The Clark children: 10-year-old old Marcus, 8-year-old Kiani and Kemaren, 4, were staying with their grandfather Arnold Mele, who is Williams’ ex.


    Mele and his new girlfriend at the time were in the home. Mele suffered burns in his attempts to save his grandchildren.


    Williams is set for trial on Monday. The state wants the death penalty because it believes Williams started the fire on purpose.


    The trial will start with jury selection. Possible jurors will be asked questions ranging from what city they live in, to how much they know about the case.


    They will also be asked about the death penalty.


    Police said Williams previously attacked the children’s grandfather. She was arrested and bonded out.


    And then set the home on fire.


    The boys’ family previously said the trial was important.


    “Whatever they do it’s not going to bring them back,” one family member said. “We will still have this pain.”

    https://www.winknews.com/2021/10/01/...hree-children/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  6. #6
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    Jury finds Marian Williams guilty in the death of 3 children in an arson fire

    By Melissa Montoya
    Wink News

    Marian Williams has been found guilty of the first degree by a jury in the death of three children in an arson fire.

    Day five of the trial for 49-year-old Williams got underway at 9 a.m. Friday and wrapped up at 2:15, with deliberations lasting just over two hours.

    Williams was found guilty on three counts of first-degree murder; two counts of attempted first-degree murder; arson; and burglary of an occupied dwelling.

    The jury in the death penalty case is made up of 12 jurors and six alternates.

    Since the death penalty is still on the table, the case will now move to the penalty phase and jurors will hear victim impact statements before recommending either the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

    Williams, who did not take the stand, killed 8-year-old Kiani Clark, 10-year-old Marcus Clark, and 4-year-old Kemaren Clark in 2017 after setting a home on fire that was owned by her ex-boyfriend Arnold Mele, the boy’s grandfather.

    Prosecutors rested their case Thursday morning after jurors listened to the testimony from Medical Examiner Dr. Phoutthasone Thirakul who spoke about the condition of the bodies of the three children found inside the burned-down home.

    The three boys died of smoke inhalation and the autopsy showed they were alive as they burned, Thirakul said. Some of the jurors cried as they heard descriptions of what happened to the three boys.

    The judge denied a request for a judgment of acquittal from the defense team, who said there is insufficient evidence in the case.

    Defense attorneys called Mele to the stand and asked him to clarify statements he made during his testimony to jurors that did not match his deposition. Mele said his mind is not clear so there are some things he can’t remember.

    The defense argued Williams was never in the home and not responsible for the fire, and also put Williams’ 15-year-old granddaughter on the stand who said Williams was asleep next to her in the same bed.

    Prosecutors argued that from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. the granddaughter didn’t know where Williams was, and that another witness saw Williams at a party at 1:30 a.m. the night of the fire and therefore could not have been with the granddaughter at the same time.

    Judge Don T. Hall in the 12th Circuit Court is presiding over the case in DeSoto County.

    https://www.winknews.com/2021/10/15/...illiams-trial/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Death penalty arguments continue in the Marian Williams trial

    The trial for Marian Williams has entered the penalty phase after a jury found Williams guilty in the arson fire that killed 3 young boys. The jury will now have to decide if Williams will receive the death penalty.

    Tuesday marks the 2nd day of arguments in the penalty phase of the trial. It is the defense’s turn to argue against the death penalty for Marian Williams.

    On Monday the state presented evidence and impact statements in support of the death penalty.

    The defense began their arguments with 2 younger brothers of Marian Williams.

    Willie Williams, one of Marian’s younger brothers, told the court that Marian cared about the kids who were killed. He said that Marian is a loving person and had nothing bad to say about her.

    Another younger brother to Marian, Eric Ludgood, told the court that Marian was a great person in his mind and used to make sure he was okay.

    The defense also brought Marian Williams’ daughter, Taquita Leverett, to the stand. Marian began to cry as her daughter spoke. Leverett told the jury that Marian is a great mom.

    Williams’ other daughter Miranda Washinton also spoke. She said Marian used to sing in church. Washinton said Marian was very upset after her husband died and did spend some time in a mental health facility.

    Three of Marian Williams’ grandchildren were also brought before the jury by the defense. Two of whom are minors. They all spoke about Williams in a similar manner, saying that she is a loving and caring person.

    If the jury recommends the death penalty and the judge agrees, Williams will join three other women on death row in Florida. There are 302 men on death row. If they don’t recommend the death penalty, Williams is facing the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

    (source: WINK news)
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

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    3rd day of death penalty arguments in Marian Williams trial

    The trial for Marian Williams has entered the penalty phase after a jury found Williams guilty in the arson fire that killed 3 young boys. The jury will now have to decide if Williams will receive the death penalty.

    Wednesday marks the 3rd day of arguments in the penalty phase of the trial.

    The defense is not calling 2 of the witnesses that have been listed. They will play a video from Williams’ grandfather before hearing from doctors.

    On Monday, the state presented evidence and impact statements in support of the death penalty by lethal injection.

    The defense brought out multiple family members of Marian Williams to speak on behalf of her character.

    Closing arguments will happen Thursday and the jury will get the case sometime early in the day.

    If the jury recommends the death penalty and the judge agrees, Williams will join 3 other women on death row in Florida. There are 302 men on death row. If they don’t recommend the death penalty, Williams is facing the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

    (source: WINK news)
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Marian Williams sentenced to life in prison for killing 3 children in Arcadia arson fire

    By Breana Ross and Melissa Montoya
    WINK news

    A jury recommended life in prison for Marian Williams, who was found guilty of a 2017 arson fire that killed three boys in Arcadia.

    It took just two hours for the jurors to decide, almost as long as it took them to convict Williams last week on three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, arson, and burglary of an occupied dwelling.

    Kenya Lindsay, the mother of the three boys, did not show any emotions the decision was read in court.

    Judge Don T. Hall presided over the trial in DeSoto County.

    Lindsay said she feels she got justice for her children 8-year-old Kiani Clark, 10-year-old Marcus Clark, and 4-year-old Kemaren Clark. The home was owned by their grandfather, Williams’ ex-boyfriend, who escaped the fire along with a second person.

    “I’m grateful for the fact that this is it,” Lindsay said. “It gave us more closure now that we will never see her again and she can never harm anybody again.”

    For the last four days, jurors have been listening to testimony in order to decide whether Williams should be sentenced to death.

    In their closing statements, the state described the crime as “an act of cruelty.”

    They also argued against the defense’s argument that Williams was battling depression and other mental health issues when she started the fire.

    “You have to focus on what the defendant chose to do with their own free will,” a prosecutor said. “Many people in our society have depression but they’re still responsible for the crimes they commit.”

    The defense argued the crime was not “especially” heinous or atrocious.

    “Were any of these children still conscious when they burned? There’s no testimony that showed that,” a defense attorney said.

    Testimony during the death penalty phase centered around Williams’ mental health, which includes depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management issues and substance abuse.

    Jurors also listened to victim impact statements from the boys’ family as well as many of Williams’ family members.

    Defense attorney Kevin Shirley credits Williams’ family with helping jurors to spare her life.

    “I think the testimony of the family members carried the day because I don’t think the jury understood how close the entire Williams family was to these children,” Shirley said. “Our client’s grandchildren played with the victims in the case.”

    Williams’ attorneys said they plan to appeal the original conviction.

    “We’re not happy with the verdict of last week of course but the fact that the jury came back with a life recommendation is very pleasing,” said Defense attorney Daniel Hernandez.

    https://www.winknews.com/2021/10/21/...zNA1CjcnBszQil

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